Thursday, August 20, 2009

Destroyer at the Paradise Boston

On Further Review &Photographic Evidence by Emma DessauThe Paradise in Boston - 7/31/2009

Destroyerphotos by Emma Dessau

As an intensely loyal fan of The New Pornographers, I have delved into the solo careers of each tremendously talented part of what is, in my opinion, the super-est of all the super groups. TNP frontman A.C. Newman released "Get Guilty" this past January. Neko Case is blowing up this year with "Middle Cyclone," and has been touring almost non-stop. While both artists bring joy to my heart, there is just something about Dan Bejar, creator and oftentimes sole member of Destroyer, that I just can't get enough of.

DESTROYER IN BOSTON - Bejar brought his one man act to the Paradise Rock Club in late July. It was just him, his black curly 'fro, some flannel and a shiny red guitar mesmerizing the crowd with lyrics that continuously catch me off guard: Bejar has mastered the art of simple yet staggering wordplay. His set included songs from Destroyer's newest album, "Trouble in Dreams," and stretched back as far as his first album, 1996's "We'll Build Them a Golden Bridge," from which he played "Streets of Fire." I will restrain myself from going down the never-ending road of incredible song lyrics in Destroyer's catalogue, but I have been known to skip down the street singing, "Sweet, sweet, sweet, sweet fire in the street, let's sully every stage." We will leave it at that.

RSL Streaming Photo AlbumDestroyer at the Paradise

"European Oils"from the Rubies album

LIKENED TO - Dan Bejar and Destroyer have been compared to David Bowie, primarily because of their vocal stylings. However, Bejar has a definitive Dylan-esque way with words. Each time I listen to Destroyer, I find a new gem. Keep up the good work, Mr. Bejar. I salute you.